How to Apply for the Medicare Savings Programs

QMB, SLMB, QI-1, QI-2

Call TDHS: The Texas Department of Human Services is responsible for all the Medicaid programs, including the Medicare Savings Programs. For an application for any Medicaid program, call 1-888-834-7406 or TDD 1-888-425-6889. They will send an application with instructions and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for you to use to mail in the application.

Fill out the Application: Be careful to give all the information requested, even if it asks about income or resources that are excludable. Send in copies of any documents that are needed to prove income or ownership of resources. If you need help with the application, you can call 1-800-252-9240, TDD 1-800-252-9108. Don’t forget to sign and date the application.

Mail the Application: Make a copy of the finished application and all the document copies that you are mailing. This copy is for your records. Put the original, finished application in the envelope that was sent to you, with all the copies of documents proving income and ownership of resources. Seal and mail the envelope.

Keep Track of Time: It should only take 45 days for the Texas Department of Human Services to process your application and send you a letter telling you if you are qualified to be enrolled or not. This time starts when they receive your completed, signed application. If you do not receive a letter on time, call 1-800-252-9240, TDD 1-800-252-9108 for help.

Your Interview: Texas Department of Human Services will schedule an interview with you. If you cannot go to their office, you may call the number on the letter they send you to ask for a telephone interview. In some situations a Medicaid Eligibility Case Worker can make a personal visit to a person who is bed-ridden or in a nursing home or hospital.

If You Need Help: Anyone with questions on Medicare or Medicaid can call:


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Last updated: 01/03/2002